Identification of Defects of Stainless Steel Sold with Brand Names, by Studying their Surface Thin Films with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

Abstract

In the present paper, we have studied the thin films formed on the commercial stainless steel sold under different brand names in Pakistan with the help of SEM, EDX and XRD and have further investigated that how such stainless steels lose their brightness and become dull. A sample of recycled stainless steel melted in induction furnace was taken for study. The analysis of the layer formed is as follows: wt. %, C = 6.55, O = 6.20, Na = 0.47, Mg = 0.31, Al = 2.28, Si = 1.23, Cr = 15.42, Mn = 1.06, Fe = 59.58, Ni = 6.91 Total = 100, Atomic %, C = 21.02 O = 14.93, Na = 0.79, Mg = 0.49, Al = 3.26, Si = 1.68, Cr = 11.43, Mn = 0.74, Fe = 41.12, Ni = 4.53. Stainless steel has austenite structure, is non magnetic and forms fine passive film of Cr (III) oxide, (Cr2O3) which prevents surface corrosion and avoids further corrosion from spreading in metal’s internal structure. Mn and Ni stabilize austenite structure. XRD spectra show presence of αFe2O3 and Cr2O3 and spinal oxides in the film formed on the sample taken for study. SEM images show how this thin film tears. In a sound stainless steel, the film formed is too thin to be visible and metal remains lustrous. The film quickly reforms when surface is scratched (passivation). Mostly stainless steel is recycled and average stainless steel objects manufactured and marketed are composed of above 60% recycled material. Oxide spinals of Mn, Ni, Cr with iron oxide are not very resistive to the corrosion. Recently Duplex stainless steel has been manufactured which contains 50:50 austenite and ferrite and have twice the strength compared to austenite stainless steel. Keywords Recycle stainless steel, composition of thin film with EDX, SEM images, investigation on αFe2O3 and Cr2O3 spinals. In the present paper, we have studied the thin films formed on the commercial stainless steel sold under different brand names in Pakistan* with the help of SEM, EDX and XRD and have further investigated that how such stainless steels lose their brightness and become dull. The sample is austenitic stainless steel.